There is an enormous treasure of knowledge buried in the Hindu scriptures originating
from centuries past.

The table below was collated by Dr.O.P. Dwivedi, from various sources (both Indian and 
Western scholars). There are differences of opinion among scholars about the dates. 
Indian scholars believe that the Vedic period goes as far back as 4000BC, while the 
western scholars do not go beyond 2000BC.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF HINDU RELIGION & ITS SACRED BOOKS: AN ILLUSTRATION

SEVEN MAJOR PERIODS OF HINDU DHARMA GROWTH

Date Range

Period

Scriptures

4000 – 1500 BC

Vedic Period

4 Vedas ( Rig, Sama, Yajur & Atharva)

1500 – 300 BC

Upanishad Period

220 Upanishads and Brahmanas (suchas Satapatha, Aitareya, Kaushitaki, etc)

1500 – 800 BC

Epic Period

Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Mahabharat includes the The Bhagvad Gita

1000 – 200 BC

Legal Codes

24 Dharma-Sutras + 50 Dharma-Shastras/Smritis

200 BC – 200 AD

Puranic Period

18 Mahapuranas

200AD – 1200 AD

Puranic Period

18 Upa-Puranas*

800AD – 1700AD

Popular Religion

Growth of Popular Hindu Religion: Temple/Home Worship, Rituals, Fasts  and Vratas, Festivals, Pilgrimages,  Ceremonies, Sacraments, Traditions, Various Beliefs, Bhakti Marga, etc.